A water bouncer is my favorite water toy! It works like it sounds: you bounce on it and jump into the water. This is similar to a trampoline, but it is inflatable and made to be used in a lake. They are very safe since they’re so soft. They come with a ladder so you can climb onto it from the water. Otherwise, it is very difficult to climb on because there isn’t much to grip. The only safety issues are the same ones with any water sport: kids and adults need to know how to swim, always use the buddy system, and don’t dive head first into shallow water. Most bouncers are suggested for use in water that is 8 – 10 ft deep.
Water bouncers are also called bounce platforms. The difference between a bounce platform and water trampoline is that a bouncer doesn’t have the springs like a trampoline does. Bounce platforms are generally smaller, cheaper and easier to transport. A bounce platform will usually cost several hundred dollars. You can either use them by day and take them out of the water each time, or you can choose to anchor one for the season. Usually people try one out first without anchoring it and then decide to anchor it to avoid having to pull it out of the water every day. Each manufacturer has recommendations for how to anchor their model. A few water bouncers can actually be used either on land or in water. However, you have to be careful if you use one on land that it isn’t jammed against any rocks or sticks.
Attachments are also available so you can expand your bounce platform into your own private water park. You can get slides, logs that you can walk on, and soft launches. You can get a better deal if you buy attachments when you buy your platform, but many people just get a bounce platform first. Some water bouncers, like the ones from Rave Sports, come in a circular shape. Others are designed to look like inflatable turtles or other animals. Obviously, those designs are made to appeal to kids. They may not be expandable, however, meaning that it may be harder to add attachments like slides to them.
As you prepare for spring and get your green thumb and Grow Rooms together, get a water bouncer, too, so you can relax and cool off at the end of the day.